Extended Massage Handle Mechanism for Back Reach and Weight Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Percussive massage devices are difficult to apply to the back due to the need for substantial user flexibility and mechanical advantage, and their weight makes them challenging to hold for extended periods, limiting their effectiveness in relaxing targeted muscle groups and requiring adaptation for various body parts.
Innovation Solution
An extended handle mechanism with a mounting region and ergonomic design that secures and positions a percussive massage device, allowing for easier application to the back and distribution of weight across the user's skeletal system, featuring a telescoping structure and adjustable grips for comfort and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a user holds a percussive massage device directly, then the device can be applied to the back, but the user must bend an arm over the shoulder or behind the back which requires substantial flexibility and makes it difficult to apply force perpendicular to the back
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an extended handle mechanism as an intermediary tool between the user and the massage device. This handle extends the user's arm reach and provides a stable platform for applying force, eliminating the need to bend the arm over the shoulder or behind the back. The handle acts as a mediator that transfers the user's force application to the massage device in a more ergonomic and flexible manner.
Solution Approach 2:
The extended handle mechanism adds a dimensional extension to the user's arm, effectively increasing the reach and range of motion. By extending the handle, the system allows the user to position the massage device at various angles and distances from the body without requiring complex arm positioning, thus solving the flexibility requirement issue.
2Ease of operation
If the massage device is held with one hand, then the device can be maneuvered, but it is difficult to hold in place and apply sufficient force due to the weight of the device
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the handling function into segments: the extended handle mechanism serves as a separate structural component that provides support and positioning, while the massage device itself remains lightweight and maneuverable. This segmentation allows the handle to bear the weight and provide stability, while the actual massage function remains compact and easy to control.
Solution Approach 2:
The extended handle acts as an intermediary structure that distributes the weight of the massage device across a larger surface area of the user's body (arms, torso), reducing the strain on any single limb. This intermediary structure provides mechanical advantage, allowing the user to hold the device in place more easily despite its weight.
3Ease of operation
If the user applies force to the device directly, then the massage effect is achieved, but the target muscle groups must apply force to hold the device which prevents proper relaxation
Solution Approach 1:
The extended handle mechanism serves as an intermediary that allows the user to apply force to the massage device without requiring the target muscle groups to actively hold the device. The handle provides the structural support and force transmission, freeing the target muscles to relax and receive the massage effect properly.
Solution Approach 2:
The extended handle mechanism provides self-service by automatically providing the structural support and force application needed for the massage. This eliminates the need for the user's muscle groups to actively participate in holding the device, allowing them to be properly relaxed during the massage process.
4Power
If the device is designed for percussive massage with strong motor power, then the massage effect is enhanced, but the device becomes heavy and difficult to lift and hold for long periods
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the functional requirements: the massage device itself remains lightweight with the motor optimized for percussive function, while the extended handle mechanism provides the additional structural support and weight distribution needed for extended use. This segmentation allows the motor to be powerful without making the entire system overly heavy and difficult to handle.
Solution Approach 2:
The extended handle acts as an intermediary structure that compensates for the weight of the powered massage device. It provides a stable platform for holding the device during extended periods, distributing the weight across the user's body and reducing fatigue, thereby allowing the use of stronger motors for enhanced massage effects.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables effective massage application to the back and other body parts without requiring excessive user flexibility, distributing the device's weight and providing mechanical advantage, enhancing the massage experience and usability across different body areas.
Implementation Method 1
The mounting mechanism comprises an angular channel comprising a channel surface facing the handling end and an exterior surface, a padding material affixed to the channel surface
Implementation Method 2
An extended handle mechanism with a mounting region and ergonomic design that secures and positions a percussive massage device, allowing for easier application to the back and distribution of weight across the user's skeletal system
Implementation Method 3
By providing concentrated, rapid, short-duration pulses to a muscle, percussive massage tools are valued because they help with muscle pain and recovery. The repeated pulses are intended to aid in increasing blood flow to muscles
Data Source
AI summary
An extended handle for securely holding reciprocating massage devices. The handle includes a handle section and a mounting section, the mounting section providing a channel designed to hold conventional reciprocating massage devices of differing geometries from various manufacturers and the handle section oriented to distribute the weight of an attached reciprocating massage device while allowing a user to easily position the attached massage device relative to various parts of the user's body.